Thursday, February 11, 2021

Dear Clara by Shelly E. Powell {Review}

Dear Clara by Shelly E. Powell

Kindle Edition, 282 pages
Published February 9th 2021 
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
 
 
 
He thinks she is a rare beauty. She knows he is charming on paper. Both hope for romance, but when letters are no longer enough, Clara must face the truth and decide whether to let go of pride or protect her heart.

For the first time in her life, Clara Everton has done something truly improper. She has written to a gentleman she hardly knows, simply to avoid an unwanted marriage proposal and perhaps to prove to herself that her first London season was not such a disappointment after all. As one letter grows into many and her feelings for James Thayne deepen, Clara begins to wonder whether a letter is as innocent a thing as she once thought. Meeting Mr. Thayne in person shakes her hopes, and she must reconcile herself to the unexpected truth. Yet, as circumstances continue to bring them together, Clara can't help but question whether opening her heart to Mr. Thayne is riskier than protecting it.
 
   

 
My Review: 5 Stars
 
Sometimes a debut novel is a little rough, as it takes a few stories to find a groove, but that was definitely not the case with this charming book! Powell captures the spirit of the Regency time, or how I like to imagine it, with her lively characters, dreadful rakes, cases of mistaken identity, and clandestine romances. I was held captive by these pages and couldn't wait for all the pieces to fall into place.
 
Clara is slightly persnickety in her quest to find love and won't settle for just anyone, yet I found myself identifying with her sweet and caring personality. I love how she fell into friendships and found herself in interesting situations, which she handled with grace. Mr. Thayne is an appealing character, with his determination and awkwardness. The combination of the whole cast of characters was delightful.
 
There are many intricate threads holding this story together and each tangent was entertaining in their own rights. It was fun to tie things together as the plot progressed and while the events weren't necessarily action-packed, the gentle and steady nature was very engaging.
 
Content: mild romance (some vague innuendo, kissing) 

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